Pain medication isn’t the only option available to you for pain relief. Next time you’re experiencing a toothache, back pain, or any other pain, you can try an herbal and natural pain reliever like turmeric.
Natural pain relief
If you have a toothache, backache, or any other type of pain, your first impulse may be to reach for a pain medication.
Many people rely on medications, but they can come with a risk of side effects, drug interactions, and sometimes misuse.
While certain circumstances may require a prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication, it may also be possible to find some of the relief you need from a variety of natural pain relievers. Many herbs and spices have a long history of being used to relieve inflammation and pain.
These natural pain relievers fall under a category of treatment known as alternative medicine, which also includes acupuncture, yoga, reiki, and other practices.
There can be a lot of benefits to easing pain and inflammation more naturally, but keep in mind that these natural remedies can occasionally interfere with other medications you are taking.
Furthermore, some natural pain relievers have not been well studied in humans (especially when it comes to dosage), and many supplements are not tested by an independent lab to ensure quality or safety. Supplements are also not regulated for quality by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) like drugs are.
If you’re dealing with pain or chronic issues, it’s best to talk with a doctor before buying any natural remedies. Integrative medicine professionals, which are physicians who have training in more natural remedies, may be a great option if you’re seeking alternative forms of pain therapy.
It’s also important to consult a qualified health professional before adding any supplements to your routine, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
Boswellia
Boswellia, otherwise known as frankincense, is often used in Ayurvedic medicine. The resin from Boswellia serrata trees is what is typically turned into tinctures, pills, or topical treatments.
What is it used to treat?
Boswellia is often used to treat:
- asthma symptoms
- arthritis
- colitis (inflamed colon)
- general inflammation
- reduction of fluid cerebral edema (brain swelling)
- reduction of skin damage due to radiotherapy
A 2020 studyTrusted Source involving 545 people found that Boswellia was an effective, safe treatment for osteoarthritis (OA), easing pain and stiffness.
Possible side effects
While Boswellia is generally safe, topical application can cause an allergic reaction in some people. It may also negatively interact with certain medications, including anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs.
If you’re taking one of these drugs, Boswellia extract may increase the possibility of bleeding.
Turmeric
Turmeric is the spice that gives curry its signature yellow hue and unique flavor.
It contains the compound curcumin, an antioxidant that helps protectTrusted Source the body from free radical molecules that can damage cells. It has also been well studied for its ability to ease swelling and reduce inflammation.
Though most commonly used as a spice, turmeric is also available in supplement form and is often paired with piperine, a compound found in black pepper, to increase its absorption.
What is it used to treat?
Turmeric may be useful for the treatment of many conditions, includingTrusted Source:
- indigestion
- ulcers
- stomach upset
- psoriasis
- inflammation caused by conditions like OA
Possible side effects
Though turmeric is generally considered safe, several side effects have been reported.
Some of the most common side effects includeTrusted Source:
- nausea
- diarrhea
- headaches
- rashes
- yellow stool
Be sure to talk with a doctor before using turmeric supplements. Stop using them if you experience any negative side effects.
Cloves
Whole cloves are often used to spice up meat and rice dishes. Ground cloves are used in pies and many other foods.
Cloves are also widely usedTrusted Source as a natural pain reliever due to their content of eugenol, a natural pain reliever that’s also used in some OTC pain rubs.
Cloves can be found in capsule or powder form. Clove oil is also available and can be applied topically to reduce pain.
What is it used to treat?
Clove is often used to treatTrusted Source a wide range of conditions, such as:
- nausea
- colds
- headaches
- arthritic inflammation
- toothaches
- indigestion
- diarrhea
Some researchTrusted Source also suggests that clove could be used to treat fungal infections, but more high quality studies in humans are needed.
Possible side effects
When used as a supplement, cloves may be associated with side effects such as:
- liver problems
- allergic reactions
- skin irritation
- increased bleeding
Though clove oil can be applied topically to treat issues such as toothache pain, undiluted clove oil may actually hurtTrusted Source your gums, so be sure to talk with a dentist before trying it at home.
People with bleeding disorders or those who are taking blood-thinning medication should also be careful when consuming clove products, as clove and clove oil can increase the risk of bleeding.
For this reason, it’s important to consult a doctor before using herbal supplements that contain clove.